PNEUMATIC POWER PACK
A pneumatic power pack for a medicament delivery device is presented having a pressurized gas container storing pressurized gas and an activation assembly for releasing the pressurized gas from the gas source. The activation assembly including a rupturer having a sharp end, an activator, and a rotator coupled with the activator and the gas container. The activator is configured to move from a first position toward a second position to causes a rotation of the rotator which then drives the gas source towards the sharp end of the rupturer to release the pressurized gas.
The present application is a U.S. National Phase Application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2019/074299 filed Sep. 12, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/735,047 filed Sep. 22, 2018, and European Patent Application No. 18205275.3 filed Nov. 8, 2018. The entire disclosure contents of these applications are herewith incorporated by reference into the present application.
TECHNICAL AREAThe present disclosure relates to a pneumatic power pack and in particular to a pneumatic power pack for a medicament deliver device.
BACKGROUNDUnless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
In some situations, it is desirable for patients to be able to administer drugs and medicament by themselves, e.g., without the need for trained medical staff to administer the drugs. There are a number of different existing delivery devices with varying degrees of automatic functions. For instance, existing automatic injection devices provide means for automatically propelling a plunger forward to eject medicament from the automatic injection device in response to activation of the device.
In existing devices, the means for automatically propelling the plunger forward to eject the medicament are often complex and expensive to manufacture. Further, for some types of medicaments, there is a desire to eject the medicament at a substantially constant force. However, certain existing devices for ejecting the medicament at a substantially constant force are complex and expensive to manufacture. There is, therefore, a desire to reduce the cost of manufacturing automatic injection devices while maintaining the reliability of the injection device to eject a dose of medicament.
SUMMARYIn the present disclosure, when the term “distal” is used, this refers to the direction pointing away from the dose delivery site. When the term “distal part/end” is used, this refers to the part/end of the delivery device, or the parts/ends of the members thereof, which under use of the medicament delivery device is/are located furthest away from the dose delivery site. Correspondingly, when the term “proximal” is used, this refers to the direction pointing to the dose delivery site. When the term “proximal part/end” is used, this refers to the part/end of the delivery device, or the parts/ends of the members thereof, which under use of the medicament delivery device is/are located closest to the dose delivery site.
Further, the term “longitudinal”, with or without “axis”, refers to a direction or an axis through the device or components thereof in the direction of the longest extension of the device or the component.
The term “lateral”, with or without “axis”, refers to a direction or an axis through the device or components thereof in the direction of the broadest extension of the device or the component. “Lateral” may also refer to a position to the side of a “longitudinally” elongated body.
In a similar manner, the terms “radial” or “transversal”, with or without “axis”, refers to a direction or an axis through the device or components thereof in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, e.g. “radially outward” would refer to a direction pointing away from the longitudinal axis.
Also, if nothing else is stated, in the following description wherein the mechanical structure of the device and the mechanical interconnection of its components is described, the device is in an initial non-activated or non-operated state.
These and other aspects of, and advantages with, the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure and from the accompanying drawings.
According to a main aspect of the disclosure it is characterized by a pneumatic power pack for a medicament delivery device. The pneumatic power pack comprises a pressurized gas container storing pressurized gas and an activation assembly for releasing the pressurized gas from the gas source. The activation assembly including a rupturer having a sharp end, an activator, and a rotator coupled with the activator and the gas container. The activator is configured to move from a first position toward a second position to causes a rotation of the rotator which then drives the gas source towards the sharp end of the rupturer to release the pressurized gas.
In other embodiments, the activation assembly further includes a retainer coupled with the rotator, the gas container is arranged in the retainer, the axial movement of the activator causes a rotation of the rotator which then drives the retainer and the gas source towards the sharp end of the rupturer. The activation assembly further includes a first bracket coupling with the retainer, the coupling between the first bracket and retainer transforms the biased movement of the retainer from rotational to longitudinal. The first bracket has a passageway for accommodating the rupturer and at least part of the gas source, a flow of the pressurized gas travels from the gas source through the rupturer and exits from the passageway. The pneumatic power pack further comprises second bracket and a valve disposed in the second bracket, wherein the valve receives a flow of gas exiting the passageway of the first bracket.
Further, the activator includes a first member and the rotator includes a second member configured to engage the first member. The first member is configured to interact with the second member during the axial movement of the activator from the first position to the second position to rotate the rotator. In one embodiment, the first member is arranged on an inner surface of the activator, the second member is arranged on an outer surface of the rotator. In another embodiment, the first protrusion is arranged on an outer surface of the activator, the first trough is arranged on an inner surface of the rotator.
In addition, the rotator includes a third member and the retainer includes a fourth member configured to engage the third member, the third member is configured to interact with the fourth member during the rotation of the rotator to drive the gas source. In other embodiments, the rotator has a first fixing member and the retainer has a second fixing member configured to engage the first fixing member to maintain a position of the rotator before being rotated by the activator moving from the first position to the second position.
In the following detailed description of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, of which
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.
The methods and systems in accordance with the present disclosure beneficially provide improved methods and systems for propelling a plunger forward so as to eject the medicament from an automatic injection device. The disclosed methods and systems provide a reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly drug delivery device that uses a pressurized gas to eject a dose of medicament. Further, the disclosed methods and systems provide a cost effective means for propelling the plunger forward so as to eject the medicament and thus help to reduce the cost of manufacturing automatic injection devices.
As seen in
With reference to
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Pressurized gas source 210 may be any source of pressurized gas suitable to propel the plunger 150 forward to eject the medicament within the syringe 120. In an example embodiment, the pressurized gas is CO2, Argon, or Nitrogen. Other example pressurized gases are possible as well. Further, in an example embodiment, the pressurized gas source 210 contains a gas pressurized to a pressure of between 50-3000 PSI. However, in other examples, the pressure may be less than 600 PSI or more than 3000 PSI. For instance, in another example, the pressure is between 500-600 PSI. In yet another example, the pressure is between 3000-3500 PSI. Other example pressures are possible as well.
In this example, the rupturer 182 is fixed in the inner space within the neck of the second bracket 190. The washer 183 is placed within the inner space of the first bracket 180 and is used to surround the neck of the gas source 210 to ensure an gas-tight engagement with the gas source 210. As used herein, “gas-tight engagement” means an engagement providing a seal that prevents or substantially prevents leakage of gas through the seal during the dose delivery process. By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. Also, the neck on the distal side of the second bracket 190 is configured to couple with the proximal portion of the first bracket 180.
The orifice 181 is placed within the inner space on the distal portion of the plunger carrier 170 and is configured to ensure a gas-tight engagement with the plunger carrier 170. See
The plunger stopper 152 and at least a portion of the plunger 150 are placed within the plunger carrier 170. See
Above is a summary of the components and interactions between them. These interactions will be explained in more details with the figures that follow.
Here please refer to both
As discussed above, the cut-outs 410 (illustrated in
Additionally, even though a syringe 120 is described in this example embodiment of
In an example embodiment, the disclosed pneumatic power pack may be configured to propel the plunger with a constant or substantially constant force. An example drug delivery device having a pneumatic power pack configured to propel the plunger with a constant or substantially constant force is described with reference to
The pneumatic power pack 130 may propel the plunger within syringe 120 forward with any suitable substantially constant force. As mentioned herein, by the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
As seen in
The drug delivery device 100 also includes a pneumatic power pack 130 that is substantially identical to the one in the first embodiment. The components of the pneumatic power pack 130 in this embodiment are functionally identical to the ones of the pneumatic power pack 130 in the first embodiment. Thus, the components and their functions will not be explained in details.
In an example embodiment, the substantially constant force at which the plunger is propelled is any substantially constant force falling in the range of forces between 10N and 100N+−15N. Further, as used herein, a substantially constant force of X Newtons means any force in the range of 10N and 100N+−15N.
Beneficially, the disclosed pneumatic power pack provides a cost effective means for propelling a plunger forward in an automatic injection device. Further, embodiments of the disclosed pneumatic power pack also provide a low-cost means for propelling the plunger forward at a substantially constant force. Therefore, the disclosed pneumatic power pack may help to reduce the cost of manufacturing automatic injection devices.
In the examples shown in the Figures, the drug delivery devices 100 is configured to inject a non-variable dose of medicament. However, in other embodiments, the drug delivery device could be configured to allow the user to select a variable single dose. For instance, in an example embodiment, the user is able to select two different dose values, three different dose values, four different dose values, and so forth.
In the Figures, various engagement features for are shown for providing an engagement between one or more components of the drug delivery device. The engagement features may be any suitable connecting mechanism such as a snap lock, a snap fit, form fit, a bayonet, lure lock, threads or combination of these designs. Other designs are possible as well.
It should be understood that the illustrated components are intended as an example only. In other example embodiments, fewer components, additional components, and/or alternative components are possible as well. Further, it should be understood that the above described and shown embodiments of the present disclosure are to be regarded as non-limiting examples and that they can be modified within the scope of the claims.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13: A pneumatic power pack, comprising:
- a pressurized gas container storing pressurized gas; and
- an activation assembly for releasing the pressurized gas from the gas source, the activation assembly comprising:
- a rupturer having a sharp end;
- an activator; and
- a rotator coupled with the activator and the gas container;
- wherein the activator is configured to move from a first position toward a second position to causes a rotation of the rotator which then drives the gas source towards the sharp end of the rupturer to release the pressurized gas.
14: The pneumatic power pack of claim 13, wherein the activation assembly further includes a retainer coupled with the rotator, the gas container is arranged in the retainer, the axial movement of the activator causes a rotation of the rotator which then drives the retainer and the gas source towards the sharp end of the rupturer.
15: The pneumatic power pack of claim 14, wherein the activation assembly further includes a first bracket coupling with the retainer, the coupling between the first bracket and retainer transforms the biased movement of the retainer from rotational to longitudinal.
16: The pneumatic power pack of claim 15, wherein the first bracket has a passageway for accommodating the rupturer and at least part of the gas source, a flow of the pressurized gas travels from the gas source through the rupturer and exits from the passageway.
17: The pneumatic power pack of claim 16, further comprising a second bracket and a valve disposed in the second bracket, wherein the valve receives a flow of gas exiting the passageway of the first bracket.
18: The pneumatic power pack of claim 13, wherein the activator includes a first member and the rotator includes a second member configured to engage the first member, the first member is configured to interact with the second member during the axial movement of the activator from the first position to the second position to rotate the rotator.
19: The pneumatic power pack of claim 18, wherein the first member is arranged on an inner surface of the activator, the second member is arranged on an outer surface of the rotator.
20: The pneumatic power pack of claim 18, wherein the first member is arranged on an outer surface of the activator, the second member is arranged on an inner surface of the rotator.
21: The pneumatic power pack of claim 13, wherein the rotator includes a third member and the retainer includes a fourth member configured to engage the third member, the third member is configured to interact with the fourth member during the rotation of the rotator to drive the gas source.
22: The pneumatic power pack of claim 21, wherein the rotator has a first fixing member and the retainer has a second fixing member configured to engage the first fixing member to maintain a position of the rotator before being rotated by the activator moving from the first position to the second position.
23: A drug delivery device comprising:
- a main housing;
- a needle cover configured to be axially movable with respect to the main housing;
- a medicament container arranged in the needle cover and including a stopper and a medicament; and
- the pneumatic power pack of claim 1, wherein the needle cover is configured to interact with the activator of the pneumatic power pack and the axial movement of the needle cover moves the activator from the first position to the second position, pneumatic power pack further includes a plunger configured to engage the stopper and be movable by the pressurized gas in a proximal direction.
24: A drug delivery device comprising:
- a main housing;
- a medicament container arranged in the main housing and including a stopper and a medicament; and
- a power pack, wherein the power pack is a pneumatic power pack, comprising:
- a pressurized gas container storing pressurized gas; and
- an activation assembly for releasing the pressurized gas from the gas source, the activation assembly comprising:
- a rupturer having a sharp end;
- an activator; and
- a rotator coupled with the activator and the gas container;
- wherein the activator is movable from a first position toward a second position causing a rotation of the rotator which drives the gas source towards the sharp end of the rupturer to release the pressurized gas.
25: The pneumatic power pack of claim 24, wherein the activator includes a first member and the rotator includes a second member configured to engage the first member, the first member is configured to interact with the second member during the axial movement of the activator from the first position to the second position to rotate the rotator.
26: The pneumatic power pack of claim 25, wherein the rotator includes a third member and the retainer includes a fourth member configured to engage the third member, the third member is configured to interact with the fourth member during the rotation of the rotator to drive the gas source.
27: The pneumatic power pack of claim 23, wherein the activation assembly further comprises a retainer coupled with the rotator and a bracket coupled with the retainer,
28: The pneumatic power pack of claim 27, wherein the gas container is arranged in the retainer and the axial movement of the activator causes a rotation of the rotator which then drives the retainer and the gas source towards the sharp end of the rupturer.
29: The pneumatic power pack of claim 27, wherein the coupling between the bracket and retainer transforms the biased movement of the retainer from rotational to longitudinal.
30: The pneumatic power pack of claim 27, wherein the bracket has a passageway for accommodating the rupturer and at least part of the gas source, a flow of the pressurized gas travels from the gas source through the rupturer and exits from the passageway.
31: The pneumatic power pack of claim 30, further comprising a second bracket and a valve disposed in the second bracket, wherein the valve receives a flow of gas exiting the passageway of the bracket.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 12, 2019
Publication Date: Sep 2, 2021
Patent Grant number: 11951287
Inventor: Slobodan Stefanov (Deerfield Beach, FL)
Application Number: 16/972,504